<p>Each year the Louisiana State Police's local troop sets a goal of zero traffic fatalities in the month of December.</p><p>And, sadly, each year so far, the region has fallen short of the goal.</p><p>“Even though we have fatalities, we still campaign to help raise awareness,” said Trooper Evan Harrell with State Police Troop C.</p><p>There were six fatal crashes this past December in Troop C's coverage area, which includes Terrebonne, Lafourche and Assumption parishes, as well as parts of St. John and St. James.</p><p>Police suspect alcohol played a part in two of those crashes.</p><p>Six deaths is six too many. Still, it is one fewer than last year and the year before — a trend that holds statewide.</p><p>Louisiana last month had 31 traffic deaths, down from 71 a year ago and 52 in 2009.</p><p>The fact that our region did not achieve the goal of zero deaths is disappointing for all of us. It is tragic for the people who died.</p><p>But the noble goal is worth having.</p><p>Louisiana should aim for no traffic deaths every month. And our region should do the same.</p><p>Will we ever see it happen? Perhaps not. The mere act of stating such a worthwhile goal, though, has some advantages.</p><p>Any public goal can generate publicity and awareness. That might not save every life, but it might save some.</p><p>Awareness of and action on this issue is where the battle will be won.</p><p>No one goes out onto the roads thinking he or she will cause a fatal crash. But people do engage in dangerous driving practices that too often end in horrific outcomes.</p><p>Too many of us drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.</p><p>Particularly during the festivities at the end of the year, people tend to imbibe before getting behind the wheel.</p><p>Even those who are completely sober can contribute to our death toll by texting while driving, talking on their cellphones or otherwise becoming distracted when their attention should be on the road.</p><p>Spreading the message that these behaviors are dangerous and possibly deadly might talk enough people into changing their behavior to save lives. And that is the real motivation behind this campaign.</p><p>That transition from knowledge about the dangers we pose to actions we can take to remove those dangers is crucial. The awareness, though, must come first.</p><p>So keep up the goal in coming years, even if it has proven elusive so far.</p><p>Editorials represent the opinions of the newspaper, not of any individual.</p>